Under the direction and supervision of the Therapeutic Activities Program Therapist, functions in the therapeutic activities program, providing support and activities for the patients of the department as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Demonstrates knowledge of the philosophy of Therapeutic Activities and how they relate to patient care

Demonstrates knowledge of current therapeutic activity practices and procedures

Assists in planning and carrying out patient recreational/therapeutic activities for the locked Mental Health unit

Assists patients in the completion of the Activity Interest Checklist and the Activity Assessment

Completes the Activity Assessment in its entirety

Documents the patient’s response to treatment in the medical record, reports on patient response to activities provided to the patient to the Therapeutic Activities Program Therapist and/or Registered Nurse, and communicates with other members of the treatment team on a regular basis

Maintains appropriate inventory level of supplies

Requests and orders appropriate equipment and supplies for the function of the program, and within department’s budget

Assists in keeping work areas clean and organized by cleaning up after each activity and maintaining the activity area by putting equipment and craft projects/parts away and in appropriate areas after an activity is completed

Assists in maintenance of a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment

Demonstrates knowledge regarding special needs and behaviors of age specific groups

Participates in age specific educational and training programs

Demonstrates proficiency in required age specific competencies.

Non-Essential Duties:

Assists in special projects/assignments, as needed

Assists in orientation and on-the-job training of new staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge, understanding and adherence of the telephone etiquette standards

Ability to read and write the English language proficiently

Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions in all activities and duties

Ability to communicate in an empathetic manner

Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff

Ability to effectively communicate orally, and in writing, patients’ performance in activities and behaviors observed

Ability to work within the framework of the philosophy of the unit

Ability to care for equipment and supplies as directed and requisition it when directed

Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures

Ability to be flexible in meeting the staffing requirements and needs of the department and its patients

Ability to adhere to AVH Absenteeism and Tardiness Policy

Ability to adhere to AVH Leaves of Absence Policy

Ability to adhere to AVH Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy

Ability to adhere to AVH Recording of Hours Worked Policy

Ability to adhere to the department dress code

Ability to organize work and establish priorities

Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties

Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters

Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVH

Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information

Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations

Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education

Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all time

Communicates with the ability to lecture before a group of people

Conforms to AVH Standards of Excellence

Conforms to required and appropriate JCAHO and Title XXII requirements

Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines

Display a willingness to work as a team player

Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVH Board of Directors

Must adhere to all Antelope Valley Hospital Corporate Compliance rules and regulations

Completion of Corporate Compliance Awareness training

Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: duty to report behavior standard, purpose of the Corporate Compliance hotline, and importance of seeking guidance from a supervisor when in doubt regarding a possible corporate compliance issue.

Required Education, Licensure and/or Certifications:

High school graduate or the equivalent

A minimum of twelve (12) months’ experience in a formalized mental health work setting

Current CPR Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support for Healthcare workers.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in the sometimes hectic and changeable atmosphere of the MHS Department

On occasion, will be called upon to assist with the physical management of assault behavior.

A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.

Closing Statement

Looking for an opportunity to work in healthcare the way you always dreamed you could? At Antelope Valley Hospital, our employees are at the heart of what we do best – delivering high quality, patient-centered healthcare.

Antelope Valley Hospital, a 420 bed acute care facility, located just 60 miles north of Los Angeles, the Antelope Valley is one of Southern California’s fasted growing communities. We are a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Accredited. Serving the community for over 50 years, our non-profit hospital has grown to be the preeminent healthcare facility for our district’s nearly 1.2 million residents.